Sydney Kurtz

UI Alumn

After overhearing all the benefits entrepreneurship could add to her career, she decided to dive in head first. Now, she works full time in Chicago.

After graduating in May 2017, Sydney Kurtz (BBA Finance & Management, Entrepreneurial Certificate, ‘17) started her full-time position in Chicago. Kurtz is working as a Underwriting Analyst for American International Group.

Kurtz got connected with Iowa JPEC when she took a student worker position in the office her freshman year. After overhearing all the benefits entrepreneurship could add to her career, she decided to dive in head first.

During her time at the UI Kurtz served as an Iowa JPEC student ambassador, President of Sigma Nu Tau, and a member of Enactus. She also got connected with programs supporting student ventures by participating in a few business plan competitions and even joining the Founders Club her senior year.

Looking back on her involvement with entrepreneurship, Kurtz’ favorite memory is the professional trips she took with Sigma Nu Tau, Iowa JPEC’s entrepreneurial honor society. “On these trips I was able to visit so many cool businesses and network with professionals and successful entrepreneurs,” she stated. “Those trips were incredible opportunities that helped me discover what career path I could see myself in, and how to present myself and network during the interview process.”

She has no doubt that she will use the skill set she gained from these experiences in her new position.

“Entrepreneurs are innovative thinkers and problem solvers," Kurtz stated. "Although I chose to go work for a corporation, I know I will use my entrepreneurial mindset daily. This mindset will allow me to grow in my job and help me go beyond what is expected of me.”